Clinical pathology services are provided at all eight area hospitals with a large reference laboratory located at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria.

A Clinical Pathologist:

• Monitors all laboratory testing to ensure test results are accurate and timely.
• Examines specific blood and other body fluids as necessary.
• Communicates with physicians regarding unexpected or abnormal laboratory results as necessary.
• Is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to consult with physicians as needed.
• Develops new and enhanced laboratory procedures to better monitor blood and other body fluids for disease processes.
• Implements improved, more cost-effective procedures and tests.
• Educates doctors and other healthcare professionals about new tests and the best use of all tests.

Clinical Pathology Tests:

• Hematology Test - determines the type and number of blood cells (e.g., white blood cell count).
• Coagulation Test - determines the blood's ability to clot (e.g., prothrombin time).
• Chemistry Test - determines the chemical makeup of blood (e.g., cholesterol level).
• Microbiology Test - determines the presence of bacteria or other organisms in blood, other body fluids or tissue (e.g., throat cultures).
• Blood Bank - determines the appropriate blood units and components to be used in a transfusion.